Around 20 University of Malta students had the opportunity to experience the richness of Chinese tea culture and learn traditional ways of making tea during a tea-tasting event held on campus. Hosted by the Confucius Institute at the University of Malta, the event aimed to add a special flavor to the students’ Chinese-language course, introducing them to the central role of tea in the daily life of Chinese people.
For most students, this was their first time receiving an expert introduction to Chinese tea culture. The master of the event, Sun Yi, a teacher at the institute, provided a brief introduction to the origins and history of Chinese tea culture, and gave a practical demonstration on how to handle the different kinds of aromatic tea leaves.
One of the main takeaways from the event was learning how to choose the right water temperature for Chinese tea. This crucial step is vital in ensuring that the full flavor and aroma of the tea are enjoyed. Yi also taught students how to pronounce the Mandarin words for “drink,” “tea,” and “good.”
To test their knowledge, students were asked to form three different sentences with these three words in Mandarin, which helped them to apply what they had learned in a practical way. Exquisite desserts, such as mung bean cakes and fresh flower cakes with edible roses as a major ingredient, accompanied the tea-tasting activities, much to the delight of the participants.
One student, Lexuri Vazquez, a third-year student majoring in international relations, expressed her newfound love for Chinese tea after the event. She had not previously appreciated the difference between black and green tea, but now with the knowledge she gained from the tea-tasting, she said that her appreciation of tea has changed.
“I love Chinese tea very much,” Vazquez said, adding that she hopes to go to China one day to learn about more aspects of Chinese culture.
The event gave students a glimpse into the rich and varied culture of China, which extends beyond tea to include art, literature, music, and more. It allowed them to connect with the Chinese culture and way of life in a more intimate way.
The Confucius Institute at the University of Malta has been instrumental in promoting the understanding of Chinese language and culture in Malta. Through events like this tea-tasting, the institute is helping to build bridges between cultures, fostering greater understanding and cooperation between China and Malta.
the tea-tasting event at the University of Malta provided students with an opportunity to experience the richness and depth of Chinese tea culture. Through a practical demonstration and expert guidance from Sun Yi, students were able to appreciate the central role that tea plays in the daily life of Chinese people. The event also allowed students to connect with the Chinese culture and way of life in a more intimate way, helping to build bridges between cultures and foster greater understanding and cooperation between China and Malta.
Francesco Gellel, a first-year student majoring in European studies, shared her sentiment and said that the introduction to Chinese tea culture had taken him a step closer to his goal. He also found the event relaxing and culturally enriching.
Jackie Theuma, office administrator of the Confucius Institute at the university, had tasted different kinds of Chinese tea, as the institute’s director Ji Nengwen always shared his tea with her and other colleagues. She expressed her love for Chinese tea and said that Chinese culture and language had become an integral part of her life. The success of the event inspired Sun Yi, who promised to organize more events to introduce more aspects of Chinese culture and further stimulate the interest of students in learning Chinese and understanding Chinese culture.
Ji Nengwen, the director of the Confucius Institute, said that the institute held cultural events as part of its Chinese-language teaching program, to give students an opportunity to better understand what they learn in the classroom. These events are an important way for students to experience Chinese culture and learn about the different customs and traditions that are associated with it.
The Confucius Institute at the University of Malta is part of a network of institutes established around the world by the Chinese government to promote Chinese language and culture. The institute provides Chinese-language courses for students and teachers, organizes cultural events, and supports research and collaboration between Chinese and Maltese universities. The Confucius Institute is seen as an important bridge between China and Malta, and plays a crucial role in fostering understanding and cooperation between the two countries.
The Chinese tea-tasting event was just one of the many cultural events organized by the Confucius Institute at the University of Malta. These events give students an opportunity to experience the richness and diversity of Chinese culture, and to learn about the customs, traditions, and values that are associated with it. The institute is seen as a valuable resource for students who are interested in learning more about Chinese culture and language, and is an important way to promote understanding and cooperation between China and Malta.